I believe strongly that perception is reality. No matter how you mean something, it’s the way others perceive it that is the reality. When you say or do anything, you need to do it with utmost care because you want others to respond as intended. Because, even if you don’t mean to hurt someone’s feelings or make them angry, they may perceive it as such. I am often guilty of not being careful about using my words, and they are perceived as hurtful.

I have heard a saying that you die twice. Once when your body dies and once when your name is said for the last time. As I contemplate my story and how it will be recalled when it no longer belongs to me, I want to be sure that the people in my life know the true intentions of my words and actions. I will never be remembered as a woman who keeps her mouth shut or her opinions to herself, but that does not mean I can’t be remembered as kind. The key will be figuring out how to reconcile being true to myself while also being deliberate with my words and actions, so they are met kindly by those I meet. Perception is reality.

The other, more important issue is how do I perceive myself. I know I have a long road from where I am to where I want to be. Who do I see when I look at myself in the mirror? I see myself as small and insignificant, but that can’t be all I am. I may never see myself how the cat sees himself as a lion, but there is definitely room for improvement. Perception is reality.